It is hard to find the words to encapsulate my thoughts on this show. Proud doesn't quite cut it! Every year I think "How can we raise the bar and top our last show?" and every year, it happens! Producing full scale musicals in small schools comes with many challenges and also unique opportunities. The kids before you are students, athletes, club leaders, employees and musicians who are busy nearly every night of the week. They rush to rehearsal from a game or practice and still have to do homework when they get home. They are organizing big events in our school, leading their peers, crushing it on cross country courses, volleyball courts & football fields and taking time off work to come to practice. Somehow, they still have so much energy that I go home each night with a few extra gray hairs :) I have seen each and every one of these kids do new and exciting things this fall.
Their schedules are the challenge. The beautiful thing about small school musicals is that I get to see them start when they're 11 or 12 years old and watch them grow all the way through their senior year; They have ALL pushed themselves further than they thought they could and become better performers, designers, artists and humans. I always tease that I am not their mother so I don't want to be picking up after them each night. When I asked them after dress rehearsal "Do I need to clean up after you tonight? Am I your mother? " and I heard some say "yeah!" I thought you're so right, I'll claim you all! I have simply the best kids around and I'd soak any suckers who told me otherwise :)
I would be remiss if I didn't give a HUGE shout out to all the volunteers who help put on this behemoth of a show! So many parents and other adults hung out at rehearsal to offer helping hands and feed all these hungry Newsies, especially the final few weeks! BIG Thank you to Jason Meyer who was at almost every rehearsal during the month of October reading lines, corralling children, monitoring hallways and choreography rehearsal, and hanging in the auditorium to see how he could assist. Your assistance was SO APPRECIATED!!
As always, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to our wonderful Luke Brown, forever Drama Dad who helps make our visions come to life and fixes anything that breaks! We would be lost without you!
Ann Doud, our costume queen! You did such beautiful work and spent lots of time creating some gorgeous outfits for us. We can always count on your creativity and skills to make us look good!!
Tim Harskamp played an important role this year and helped our scenic designer Gabby during construction tech class with many projects. Thank you so much for encouraging her, helping with her projects and incorporating our set building into your curriculum!!
Russell Dobbins designed and created our printing press! It turned out great and we are so thankful for your time and talents on such a vital prop in our show! PS the lighted mirrors you created for us a few years ago are just the best and we use them for every show! Thank you!!
Any drama directors out there know how important it is to have a supportive life partner. You're gone all the time and at some point you let home responsibilities go to the way side as you get more involved at school. I know for certain Chris never planned on being a drama husband/dad but he is the best! I never once had to worry about dishes, laundry, yard work, taking care of our dogs, and any other household chores. He has an uncanny ability to show up at school and hand me a Dr. Pepper at the exact moment I need a caffeine boost. And he records all of our shows each year and spends hours editing the video to make sure families have the best quality memory to keep and show for years to come. Thank you for going on this crazy journey with me every year and allowing me to feel successful, even if it means deserting you a few nights each week every fall. I love you!
My musical dream team -- Riley and Haley! I love you both and am so proud of our work together! You make my life so much easier and our productions better with your talents and passion!
The admin team and my coworkers here are all so supportive and never bat an eye when I'm in production mode. I'm sure I'm know as the crazy drama lady at school but no one ever gives me a hard time :) I love being able to grow my program and share our talented kids in this supportive environment.
So Earlham Newsies, now is the time to seize the day. We stared down the odds this fall and seized the day. Minute by minute, rehearsal by rehearsal, day by day. You found a way and you did it! I am so stinkin' proud of each and every one of you! Get out there and have the best time!
Love always,
Mrs. Maiers
Read all about it!!! Newsies is a whirlwind of a show. One thing after another happening so quickly before your eyes - but I’d love to hit pause and take time to tell each of you how amazing you are!
To our Newsies - Thank you for the seize-the-day energy you brought to us every day. Your dedication truly shaped this production. Thank you for all of the blood, sweat, and bruises you put into your roles!
To Mr. Pulitzers’ team - You were patient, polished, and professional. You brought a perfect balance to this chaotic show! Thank you for all your hard work and persistence.
To Miss Medda and her Beauties - Your stage-strutting passion brightened up the theater like no other! You made each appearance amazingly rich!
To Snyder, Mr. Weisel, and the Delanceys - Every good show needs some “bad” guys! All of you battled the story with unmatched intensity. Your tough attitudes brought the perfect grit to the newsie world!
To every student who stepped up into a new role, on or behind stage- Thank you for taking the leap outside of your comfort zone, it definitely paid off! You should be so proud and I hope you struck passion in a new project!
To our amazing crew - The strongest link of our team! You handle the chaos with ease and keep everything moving along smoothly. Great job to all of you mini managers! // Extra shout out for our set designer Gabby - what a beautiful vision and talent you have!
To all of our stage parents - You guys rock. Thank you for being a backbone for us all! Whether it was providing fuel, breaking out the sewing kit, bringing sets to life, or keeping everyone in line - you are appreciated and we couldn’t do it without you!
To Haley and Maiers - All of our crazy ideas come together beautifully and it always pays off in the end! Thank you for being such a huge inspiration and driving force to everybody around - especially me!
What a fantastic experience you guys! Everyone should be so incredibly proud - I know I am! Earlham Drama deserves ALL of the applause! Newsies forever <3
-Riley